Every year as final exams come to an end, furniture, mattresses, refrigerators and other items are thrown out by college students. The garbage overflows bins and clutters alleys and streets.

The city of Seattle said it will have an extra garbage truck roving the streets this year, and letters have gone out reminding students the proper way to dispose of their unwanted belongings.

Neighbors said signs posted on Greek Row warning students of the $1,500 dollar fines they face have also cut down the number of items cast aside.

Ray Demry, who lives in the neighborhood, looks at this annual ritual as a blessing.

"I furnished my whole apartment from stuff they threw away,” he said.

KIRO 7 plans to check back next week to see how the situation evolves as the school year comes to an end.